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Night homa (fire ritual) in an open-air courtyard. A large brick fire pit holds a bright blaze in the foreground. A central seated figure in saffron-orange robes, with a long swept-back hairstyle, a rudraksha-style bead mala and a gold-coloured floral garland, sits with hands folded in front of an ornate white-and-gold shrine panel. Around the fire, rows of devotees in saffron and orange clothing with gold-bordered saris and forehead markings hold offerings, lamps and small bowls; one woman on the right holds a stick or incense near the flame. A standing fan and dark trees frame the background.

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March 18 20132013-03-18Night-time homa at a brick fire pit, with a large blaze rising from the pit in the foreground. A central figure sits cross-legged in a saffron-orange robe with orange and gold beaded necklaces, hands folded, eyes closed. Around the fire, many people in saffron and orange robes and rudraksha malas kneel and make offerings, some tossing items into the flames and others holding ritual vessels and brass bowls. A woman in a red and gold sari at right raises her hand in blessing. A large decorative ornamental panel stands behind the group, and an electric fan is at left. Several people wear white tilaka marks on their foreheads.2013-03-18A night homa at an ashram fire pit, with a brick-lined square pit holding a bright flame. A man in the centre wears an orange-red robe, a saffron-orange shawl and a long beaded mala, and sits with hands folded near the fire. Around him devotees in matching orange-red robes, several wearing rudraksha malas and white tilak markings, sit chanting and making offerings from bowls and brass vessels. Two women in the foreground, one in a pink and gold saree, hold their hands together. A white decorative backdrop and a standing fan are visible behind, with a small oil lamp burning near the pit.2013-03-18March 18 20132013-03-18March 18 20132013-03-18March 18 20132013-03-18March 18 20132013-03-18March 18 20132013-03-18A photograph of a homa fire ritual at night. A square fire pit with a bright flame is at the centre, surrounded by many people in saffron-orange robes with rudraksha malas and yellow-gold sacred threads. Several women seated on the right raise their hands and gesture toward the fire, while men with shaved heads and white forehead markings sit on the left and front. A woman in orange sits on a raised seat behind the fire pit, with a silver-framed mirror-like panel behind her. A brass pot and offering vessels sit near the fire. Roughly 40 people are visible.2013-03-18March 10 20132013-03-10March 10 20132013-03-10Night ceremony at a sacred fire pit lit with a large open flame. A central figure with long dark hair, wearing an orange-saffron garment, a gold-coloured garland and a rudraksha-style necklace, sits on a raised ornate silver-and-wood seat holding an open book. Around the fire, seated devotees in orange and saffron robes with gold-trimmed borders hold ritual items and sit in rows; bald men in orange shawls sit at the front left with offering plates nearby. Standing devotees behind wear saffron saris and necklaces, and coloured string lights glow in the background. Pooja offerings and brass vessels lie on a white cloth beside the homa pit, indicating a fire ritual.2013-03-10